Monday morning protesters forced their way near the Parliament building in Downtown Beirut. The protest was against the potential adoption of the 2022 draft budget, which MPs were scheduled to vote on Monday.
Retired Lebanese soldiers were trying to enter the Parliament as the general budget discussion session was being held. The retired soldiers managed to pass through the security around Nejmeh Square and entered the grounds of the Parliament.
Police and soldiers were at the scene and witnesses saw them launching tear gas at the protesters.
The budget, which today’s meeting is about, should have been finalized in 2021. It is one of the reforms required by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) to release $3 billion in aid over the course of 4 years to help with Lebanon’s financial crisis.
Related: Lebanese Parliament Began Debating 2022 State Budget
